Vietnam beat UAE to reach U17 World Cup for first time

Goals: Nguyen Luc 41’, Minh Thuy 48’, Manh Cuong 69’ – Al Mheiri 1’, Mahrous 56’.

The two sides had met in painful circumstances at the 2025 tournament, when the UAE scored an 87th-minute equalizer in the final group-stage match to deny Vietnam a place in the quarter-finals and a berth at the World Cup.

The teams met again in a decisive group-stage clash at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on May 14, and the UAE struck almost immediately. Just 16 seconds after kickoff, Sultan Al Mheiri broke into the penalty area, feinted past a defender and fired a right-footed shot into the left corner, leaving goalkeeper Ly Xuan Hoa with no chance.

Despite the early setback, Vietnam responded calmly and controlled much of the possession with quick, short passing moves. Coach Cristiano Roland’s side focused much of their attack down the right flank through Le Sy Bach and Nguyen Ngoc Anh Hao.

Vietnam nearly equalized in the seventh minute when Le Trong Dai Nhan sent in a cross from the right, but Nguyen Van Duong fired over the bar from close range with the goal at his mercy.

The pressure continued as Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc threaded a pass to Sy Bach in the 20th minute, but the winger’s shot deflected wide. Minutes later, Nguyen Minh Thuy unleashed a powerful long-range effort toward the top corner, only for Josh Bentley - the Ipswich Town academy goalkeeper - to produce an impressive save. Center-back Manh Cuong also came close from a corner but failed to convert from close range.

Vietnam eventually leveled from a set piece in the 41st minute. Van Duong won a free kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled from behind, and Nguyen Luc curled a right-footed shot off the inside of the post and into the net.

Midfieder Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc celebrates after scoring the first equalizer in Vietnam's 3-2 victory over UAE in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup group stage at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Vietnam carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead three minutes after the restart.

After winning possession in the UAE half, Dai Nhan delivered a cross behind the defense for Minh Thuy, who guided a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

The UAE equalized again in the 56th minute through substitute Adam Mahrous, who controlled the ball skillfully inside the area before beating Xuan Hoa with a left-footed strike.

Midfielder Nguyen Minh Thuy (number 8) celebrates after scoring the second goal in Vietnam's 3-2 victory over UAE in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup group stage, May 14, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Song Hoa

The decisive moment came in the 69th minute when Nguyen Manh Cuong rose inside the six-yard box to head home from a left-sided corner, restoring Vietnam’s advantage.

The remainder of the match saw Vietnam defend resolutely while attempting to slow the tempo through patient possession. The UAE introduced striker Jayden Adetiba, who trains at Arsenal’s academy, but Vietnam’s defense held firm under sustained pressure.

As the final minutes ticked down, coaches and supporters urged the players on with constant shouts from the sidelines. When the final whistle sounded, the Vietnamese players sprinted onto the pitch in celebration.

Midfielder Nguyen Manh Cuong (L) celebrates his goal that secured Vietnam's 3-2 victory over UAE in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup group stage, May 14, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

The win secured Vietnam’s first-ever appearance at the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in November.

The U17 side became the fourth Vietnamese football team to qualify for a world tournament, following the men's futsal team (2016 and 2021), the men's U20 team (2017), and the women's national team (2023).

Vietnam also advanced beyond the group stage of the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the third time, after 2000 and 2016. The victory lifted Vietnam to the top of Group C with six points, one ahead of South Korea, who had a goalless draw against Yemen.

It marked the first time Vietnam have finished top of a group at a U17 Asian Cup finals tournament and set up a quarter-final meeting with Australia, runners-up in Group D. Vietnam beat Australia 2-1 in the semi-finals of the ASEAN U17 Championship in April.